SPRING LAKE, MI -- Spring Lake Public Schools' $59.8 million
proposal to build a new elementary school and high school athletics complex, as
well as upgrade other schools, has been defeated by voters.

"We're very disappointed, but there was a very high turnout
so there's no complaining," said Superintendent Dennis Furton.

According to the Ottawa County Clerk's website, the proposal lost by
89 votes -- 1,806 yes to 1,895 no -- based on the totals Tuesday night. The election results won't be official until they are certified by the Board of Canvassers.

The district's proposal would have cost taxpayers an
additional 0.569 mill of property taxes for 30 years.

The $27.7 million elementary school would have replaced the
district's two existing elementary schools, Jeffers and Holmes. Officials said
it would have reduced overall operating costs and would have provided more
equitable education for children.

The athletics complex would have included a new
football/lacrosse/track stadium with synthetic turf and a soccer stadium with
synthetic turf. There also would have been two new baseball fields, two new
softball fields, a multi-use practice field and a cross-country course.

The proposal also included $6 million in technology
upgrades, $4 million in improvements at the intermediate/middle school, a $3
million maintenance garage, 10 new school buses and new student furniture and
security at the high school.

Furton said the school board will have to let the loss "sink
in" before it decides whether to try some sort of proposal again.